Guidebook collecting gets its bible

Posted by Niall Grimes on 05/12/2012

Guidebook collectors are an obsessive breed. They prowl around second-hand bookshops and websites, hunting down that rare edition or previously unknown pamphlet like a lion with a gazelle in its sights. Stumbling across a rare edition means one step closer to completing their collection.

But how can you tell your collection is complete? Well, now you can know precisely. This December sees the publication of British and Irish Climbing Guidebooks 1894 to 2011. This is the ultimate ‘guidebook of guidebooks’. It lists over 1,000 books, from the simple recordings of the earliest pioneers to the latest photo and topo filled blockbusters.

Front cover images and publication details for each title show the development of climbing guidebooks over the decades in a unique format. For anyone with an interest in how our sport has been recorded, from casual history lovers to serious collectors, this is an essential guide.

This book is only available directly from the BMC: buy it online now.

We want to say a big thanks to every BMC member who continues to support us through the Coronavirus crisis.

From weekly Facebook Lives and GB Climbing home training videos, to our access team working to re-open the crags and fight for your mountain access, we couldn’t do it without you.

Did you know that we've launched a U27 membership offer for just £1.50 / month? And with full membership from £2.50 / month, it's never been easier to join and support our work:

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/join-the-bmc-for-1-month-U27-membership

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